As you know, the recent Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the operations of most businesses in the country, and even across the world. The government has ordered many businesses to close during this time, but other businesses deemed “essential,” or life sustaining, continue to operate under restrictions.
Rohrer Bus Service is considered an essential business, as we provide transportation, and we are able to continue most of our routine functions. As you are aware, all members of the public have been advised to keep a social distance of six feet and wear masks at all times while interacting with others outside the household. However, companies that have been deemed essential at times require their employees to be closer than the six-foot distance from others, but still practice the required safeguards.
In order to be prepared to start the next school year fully-staffed, it is imperative that we resume our hiring and training processes as soon as possible. In addition, we are going to be operating the Hershey Shuttle when Hersheypark opens for the summer. These missions, of course, may require our employees to come in contact with the public; however, we are confident that our team of skilled trainers and drivers can perform these tasks safely and successfully by adhering to the CDC and OSHA guidance.
What we’re doing to protect our team and the public
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When Training in the Bus/Van
- All surfaces will be sanitized prior to the start of training/testing.
- All parties will wear face masks.
- All parties will wear gloves and use hand sanitizer frequently.
- When trainers need to be closer to an individual than six feet while teaching/observing pre-trip under the hood of the bus, they will use a step stool so they can see without being right next to the trainee.
- The trainer may ask the trainee to speak louder so they able to hear them at a greater distance.
- The trainer will cover clothing with a disposable rain poncho or garbage bag or bring a change of clothing to change into when done.
- The trainer will promptly launder clothing when finished work.
- All parties will be encouraged to try to stay up wind of each other.
- All surfaces will be sanitized once training/testing is complete.
- If at any point the trainer or the trainee is experiencing any cold or flu like symptoms, they must not work and self-quarantine for a period of seven days from the onset of symptoms and 72 hours fever free without the aid of medication.
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When Learning in the Classroom
- All surfaces will be sanitized prior to the start of class.
- Chairs will be set up at least 6 feet apart.
- All trainees will be asked if they are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms; if so, they will be encouraged to self-quarantine for a period of seven days from the onset of symptoms and 72 hours fever free without the aid of medication.
- Trainers and trainees will wear masks at all times.
- Hand washing/hand sanitizer will be exercised throughout training.
- Individual meals will be provided to prevent communal eating, and subsequently the possible spread of pathogens.
- All surfaces will be sanitized at the end of class.
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When Shuttling the Public
- Drivers will wipe down commonly-touched areas of the vehicle throughout the day. Drivers will wipe down the handrail with Clorox wipes after delivering guests at tram circle or property.
- Shuttle buses will be fully disinfected at least two times per day. Once mid-day and another time at the conclusion of the PM shift. We will be using a diluted bleach solution to do this.
- Drivers will wear face masks at all times. At a minimum, they will be wearing cotton coverings over their mouth and nose. If available, we will make plastic face shields available if desired by the employee.
- We are looking into installing hinged Plexiglass type sneeze guards for the cockpit, for driver protection.
- Shuttle buses will have limited seating availability to meet social distancing guidelines. Actual capacity will be determined by the group sizes that will be riding together. Members of a party will fill in an area of seats; all parties must leave one row of seats in between them and any other parties.
- Riders will not be walking past one another through the aisle; vehicles will load rear-to-front. This means the 1st riders that board the vehicle will move to the rear, while other riders will gradually fill up the seats using our social distancing guidelines until there is no more space.
- Upon reaching a destination, the vehicle will unload from the front-to-back of the bus.
- In conjunction with Hershey Entertainment, 6 foot social distancing markings will be on the pavement at loading zones to separate parties; this will assist the drivers with loading capacity.
- In conjunction with Hershey Entertainment, signage requesting guests to “break down” their strollers so that the driver is not overly exposed to personal property and that loading/unloading can be accomplished efficiently.
- We will request that guests load and unload their own strollers. Our drivers will still be able to assist, if needed.
We ask that all Rohrer Bus employees, trainees, and members of the public comply with the safety measures detailed above; we all need to do our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19 whilst trying to thrive in these trying times. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to give us a call at (717) 957-3811 or email us at info@rohrerbus.com.
